SMART Objectives – Description and Diagnostic Questions

Specific

Specific means that the objective is concrete, detailed, focused and well defined.
The objective must be straight forwards and emphasize action and the required
outcome.
Specific also means that it’s results and action-orientated.

Objectives need to be straightforward and to communicate what you would like to see
happen. To help set specific objectives it helps to ask:

WHAT am I going to do? This are best written using strong, action verbs such as
conduct, develop, build, plan, execute, etc. This helps your objective to be action-
orientated and focuses on what’s most important.
WHY is this important for me to do?
WHO is going to do what? Who else need to be involved?
WHEN do I want this to be completed?
HOW am I going to do this?

What exactly are we going to do, with or for whom?

What strategies will be used?
Is the objective well understood?
Is the objective described with action verbs?
Is it clear who is involved?
Is it clear where this will happen?
Is it clear what needs to happen?
Is the outcome clear?
Will this objective lead to the desired results?

Measurable

If the objective is measurable, it means that the measurement source is identified and
we are able to track the actions as we progress towards the objective. Measurement
is the standard used for comparison.

For example, what financially independence means to one person, may be totally
different compared to what is means for another.

If you cannot measure it … you cannot manage it!

It’s important to have measures that will encourage and motivate you on the way as
you see the change occurring, this may require interim measures.

Measurements (and the visible progress) go along way to help us to know when we
have achieved our objective.

How will I know that the change has occurred?

Can these measurements be obtained?
Achievable

Objectives need to be achievable, if the objective is too far in the future, you’ll find it
difficult to keep motivated and to strive to attain it.

Objectives, unlike your aspirations and visions, need to be achievable to keep you
motivated.

Objectives need to stretch you, but not so far that you become frustrated and lose
motivation.
Can we get it done in the proposed timeframe?
Do I understand the limitations and constraints?
Can we do this with the resources we have?
Has anyone else done this successfully?
Is this possible?

Realistic

Objectives that are achievable, may not be realistic ... however, realistic does not
mean easy. Realistic means that you have the resources to get it done.

The achievement of an objective requires resources, such as, skills, money,

equipment, etc. to the task required to achieve the objective. Whilst keeping
objectives realistic, ensure that they stretch you.

Most objectives are achievable but, may require a change in your priorities to make
them happen.

Do you have the resources available to achieve this objective?

Do I need to revisit priorities in my life to make this happen?
Is it possible to achieve this objective?

Time

Time-bound means setting a deadline for the achievement of the objective.

Deadlines need to be both achievable and realistic.

If you don’t set a time you will reduce the motivation and urgency required to execute
the tasks. Agreed Time frames create the necessary urgency and prompts action.

When will this objective be accomplished?

Is there a stated deadline?

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Dr. Niels Bergemann